Meteora is one of the most spectacular places in Greece — giant rock pillars with monasteries perched on top, creating a landscape you’ll never forget.
Monks began settling here in the 9th century AD, and while more than 20 monasteries were built, only six remain active today. I’ve visited Meteora myself many times, and trust me — no photo does it justice.
The good news? You can even visit Meteora on a day trip from Athens. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get there, what to see, and tips to make the most of your visit.
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How to make a day trip from Athens to Meteora
How to get from Athens to Meteora on a day trip
Though getting to Meteora from Athens is not exactly a breeze, there are a few ways that you can travel there for just a day trip. Personally, I have been to Meteora many times on a guided tour with a bus, with the train, and by car. Below, I recommend what I used.
Guided Tour by Bus (Best Value)
With the new highway now open, the bus journey from Athens to Meteora takes about the same time as the train — but usually costs half the price. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option. On a guided bus tour, you’ll be picked up in Athens, enjoy a comfortable ride, and visit several monasteries with a knowledgeable guide before returning in the evening. It’s stress-free and ideal if you want convenience without overspending.
Click here for more information and to book my recommended tour.
You can actually see the exact tour I did in my video below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more Greece travel tips and guides. Thanks.
Guided Tour by Train
The train remains a very popular choice. You’ll take the early morning train from Athens to Kalambaka (around 4 hours), where a local guide will meet you and take you to the monasteries by minibus. At the end of the day, you’ll be returned to the station in time for your evening train back to Athens. It’s a long but comfortable day, and the scenery along the train route is beautiful.
Click here for more information and to book this tour.
Renting a Car
Driving to Meteora takes about 4–5 hours each way, so I don’t recommend it for a single-day trip. However, if you’re planning a longer road trip in Greece — for example, combining Meteora with Delphi or Northern Greece — then renting a car makes sense. Just keep in mind that the roads in Meteora are steep and winding, so you’ll need to be confident behind the wheel.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Private Driver
For maximum comfort, you can hire a private driver from Athens. This is the most expensive option, but if you’re a group of 3–4 people, the cost can be shared. You’ll be taken directly to the monasteries, with time to explore at your own pace, before being driven back to Athens the same evening.
Click here for more information and to book your private trip from Athens to Meteora.
Tips for your day trip from Athens to Meteora
Tips for Visiting Meteora
- Dress code: Men must wear long pants; women need skirts below the knee and covered shoulders (scarves/wraps often provided).
- Entry fee: Around €5 per monastery (cash only).
- Opening hours: Not all monasteries are open every day — usually 2–3 close on rotation, so check before visiting.
- Bring water & snacks: It’s a long day with lots of walking and stairs.
- Wear sturdy shoes: Paths and monastery steps can be steep and uneven.
Where to stay in Meteora
The best way to properly experience Meteora to its fullest potential is by spending a night or two there; this allows you more flexibility and freedom and prevents you from feeling rushed and pushed for time. Here are some of the best places to stay in the town of Kalampaka, Meteora:
- The Meteora Hotel at Kastraki – The Meteora Hotel at Kastraki is a wonderful hotel that offers lavishly designed rooms, many of which offer unbeatable views of the rocks. However, this hotel is slightly out of the center of the town, so you may require a car.
- The Hotel Doupiani House – offering incredible views of the surrounding scenery, the Hotel Doupiani House is a great spot to stay in; it is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, and it is on the outskirts of Kastraki.
- Hotel Kastraki – Hotel Kastraki is a wonderful, family-run hotel, and it is situated in the beautiful village of Kastraki; it is a very old and traditional hotel, though it is nonetheless incredibly welcoming and comfortable.
- Divani Meteora – Situated in Kalampaka, is the Divani Meteora, which is a large and spacious hotel, that is located in the center of the town; it is centrally located, and therefore convenient, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Where to eat in Kalambaka
By far my favorite restaurant in the area is called Meteora. It is located in the central square of Kalambaka, and it has been a family-run restaurant since 1925. It has amazing food, and you can even get inside the kitchen to see what you want to eat.
2-day tour from Athens
If you’d like more time to explore Meteora without feeling rushed, a 2-day guided tour from Athens is a fantastic option. It’s completely hassle-free, with round-trip transfers by air-conditioned bus, overnight accommodation with breakfast, and two guided tours in Meteora.
Here’s what’s included:
– Hotel pickup & drop-off in Meteora
– Sunset Meteora tour on the first day
– Morning panoramic monasteries tour or hiking option on the second day
– Visits to the top monasteries, the Hermit Caves, and the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary
– Accommodation in a 3★ or 4★ hotel (your choice) with breakfast
– Local English-speaking guide + smart audio guide in 12 languages
– Small-group tours in Meteora by air-conditioned minibus (with Wi-Fi & USB chargers)
Click here for more information and to book your 2-day Meteora trip from Athens.
A Mini Guide to the Monasteries of Meteora
There are six active monasteries in Meteora today, each with its own history and charm. Not all are open every day (they close on rotation), so check the schedule before your visit.
Great Meteoron Monastery
The largest and oldest monastery, founded in the 14th century. Famous for its impressive frescoes, small museum, and wine cellars.
Varlaam Monastery
Built in the 16th century, Varlaam houses beautiful frescoes and a museum with religious treasures. Its location offers stunning views over the valley.
Roussanou Monastery
Run by nuns, this is one of the most easily accessible monasteries, perched on a lower rock. Known for its warm atmosphere and vivid frescoes.
Holy Trinity Monastery
Perhaps the most dramatic, perched on a slender rock with breathtaking views. It’s also famous for being featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
St. Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery
A smaller monastery but with big artistic value — it houses frescoes by the Cretan master Theophanes, making it a must for art lovers.
St. Stephen’s Monastery
Now a convent run by nuns, St. Stephen’s is one of the most accessible monasteries with a bridge leading to its entrance. Inside, you’ll find a lovely museum and a peaceful atmosphere.
Chrysoula is an Athens-born travel writer, island explorer, and lifelong lover of Greece. She’s been sharing her insider knowledge of Athens, the Greek Islands, and local culture for nearly a decade — both on this blog and her YouTube channel. Having visited over 60 countries and every major region of Greece, she brings a traveler’s curiosity and a local’s insight to everything she writes.
📍 Based in Athens🎥 Also on YouTube: @GreeceandBeyond🧿 Favorite Greek escape: Lemnos & Crete (where her grandmothers were born)📬 Contact: unfoldinggreece@gmail.com
Learn more about me here.